Overview:

Discover Europe's largest opera house on an informative 90-minute tour of the Opera Garnier. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides from the Opera de Paris will uncover the secrets of this Baroque masterpiece, located in the heart of Paris.

Description:

Boasting an eclectic and ostentatious Baroque design, the Opera Garnier is one of the most extravagant representations of Second Empire architecture in France. Take this 90-minute guided tour of its public areas and you will discover flamboyant art works as you follow in the footsteps of fashionable 19th-century French society.

Inaugurated in 1875 and named after its exciting young architect, Charles Garnier, it is the largest opera house in Europe. Once you have met your guide at the museum entrance, you will be taken to the “Rotonde des Abonnes” (Members’ Rotunda), once used as the formal welcome area for opera guests. Garnier’s unique signature will be pointed out among the magnificent arabesques, before you move on to explore the building's galaxy of riches.

You will set eyes on the writhing snakes of the bronze “Pythonisse” sculpture, before climbing the double stairway of the “Grand Escalier” (Main Staircase). Imagine the swish of crinolines as you admire the breathtaking décor and stroll through vast foyers, filled with sparkling mosaics, colorful marble columns and gold-leaf flourishes. Everywhere you look will be a feast for the eyes.

Throughout the tour, expert and enthusiastic guides from the Opera de Paris point out the splendid paintings and sculptures that help to make the Opera Garnier one of the most rewarding museums in Paris, as well as one of its most impressive working theaters.

What's Included:

• Guided tour of the Opera Garnier's public areas (including the Rotunda, Grand Escalier, Grand Foyer, Auditorium and lounges)
• Entry ticket
• Use of broadcast system on the Day Tour (please bring valid ID in order to be able to use the system)

Good to Know:

• As a working theater, access to the Auditorium is sometimes unavailable due to technical or artistic reasons. Access cannot be guaranteed.

• The tour is not available to children below 5 years of age.

• For artistic or technical reasons, the tour itinerary can be modified on the day of the tour itself, if so instructed by the Opera Garnier, without this giving rise to a refund.

• Please bring an ID card or passport as guarantee in order to use the broadcast system on the Day tour. One ID card or passport per voucher required.

Customer Reviews:

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Rating: 5
“Great tour”

Reviewed by
Frank – Bronx, United States
(
aged
60 - 69
, traveling as a couple
)
July 30, 2015
The opera house was magnificent. I could not believe that a 35 year old unknown designed both the exterior and interior spaces. Garnier was a genius. The grand room looked like a miniature hall of mirrors. His use of multicolored marbles and mosaics was fantastic. This is a must see in Paris but take this great tour to get all of the background info on its construction.

Rating: 5
“Excellent, humourous and educative discovery.”

Reviewed by
Michelle – Boulogne, France
(
aged
50 - 59
, traveling as a family with teenagers
)
July 22, 2015
To confirm, i didn't go personally. I bought tickets for my 15 yr old neice & her friend. They had a wonderful experience.

Rating: 5
“You have to see this!!”

Reviewed by
a GetYourGuide Customer – Pittsburgh, United States
(
aged
18 - 29
, solo traveler
)
June 28, 2015
Short wait for tour to start. Relatively small group groups. Knowledgable guide. AMAZING ARCHITECTURE. Seriously! Take this tour!

Make sure you get to meeting point 20 mins before. We nearly missed our slot after being late at meeting point and there was noone to tell us next steps. We worked it out but joined our group just as tour began. o

Rating: 5
“Marvelous guide.”

Reviewed by
Jennifer – New York, United States
June 22, 2015
Wish We remembered her name. Superb!